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April 28, 1958
Mrs. L.C. Bates
806 West Ninth Street
Little Rock, Arkansas
Dear Mrs. Bates:
The Little Rock newspapers have credited you with the
statement that I misquoted you in reference to our conversation
concerning my efforts to bring about a peaceful and end to the strained
relationships between the Negro and white races in Arkansas. I
assure you that if I did misquote you such action was not intentional
on my part. Furhtermore, I should be very happy to correct any
possible misstatement of fact or misinterpretation of your position,
if you will be kind enough to provide me with a statement making
clear your comments and your position.
I had hoped that it would be possible for us to get
moving toward a constructive, cooperative consideration of this
problem without the need for anyone to quote anyone else, or for
anyone to comment publicly concerning the position of any other
person. I feel that it is much better, in matters of community
interest, for persons concerned to make their views a matter of
public record. Two reasons prompted me to seek public forums for
a discussion of the plan which I offered:
One reason was my understanding that Negroes feel that
too many subjects pertaining to their welfare have been handled in
past years behind closed doors. In this section, I had nothing to
hide. I had no selfish motives. To me a closed-door maneuvering
would have been unthinkable, even had it been possible.
My second reason that I wanted the leadership pf
both races to stand together with courage and with good will and
say in effect to the world: “This has become a difficult problem
of human relations, but it can be solved, and by working together
in a spirit of mutual trust and confidence we will solve it with
consequent advantages to both races.” Had we taken such a stand
together, then there would have been no reason for anyone to quote
anyone else. Our hopes and our attitudes would have been known to
all.

April 28, 1958
Mrs. L.C. Bates
806 West Ninth Street
Little Rock, Arkansas
Dear Mrs. Bates:
The Little Rock newspapers have credited you with the
statement that I misquoted you in reference to our conversation
concerning my efforts to bring about a peaceful and end to the strained
relationships between the Negro and white races in Arkansas. I
assure you that if I did misquote you such action was not intentional
on my part. Furhtermore, I should be very happy to correct any
possible misstatement of fact or misinterpretation of your position,
if you will be kind enough to provide me with a statement making
clear your comments and your position.
I had hoped that it would be possible for us to get
moving toward a constructive, cooperative consideration of this
problem without the need for anyone to quote anyone else, or for
anyone to comment publicly concerning the position of any other
person. I feel that it is much better, in matters of community
interest, for persons concerned to make their views a matter of
public record. Two reasons prompted me to seek public forums for
a discussion of the plan which I offered:
One reason was my understanding that Negroes feel that
too many subjects pertaining to their welfare have been handled in
past years behind closed doors. In this section, I had nothing to
hide. I had no selfish motives. To me a closed-door maneuvering
would have been unthinkable, even had it been possible.
My second reason that I wanted the leadership pf
both races to stand together with courage and with good will and
say in effect to the world: “This has become a difficult problem
of human relations, but it can be solved, and by working together
in a spirit of mutual trust and confidence we will solve it with
consequent advantages to both races.” Had we taken such a stand
together, then there would have been no reason for anyone to quote
anyone else. Our hopes and our attitudes would have been known to
all.